Local Flaps for Burned Face

Abstract

The burned face is the single most important anatomical structure a burn surgeon is called upon to reconstruct. The face serves important function in the identification of the individual and contains organs of sight, smell, speech, respiratory exchange, and nutrition intake. Its distortion can potentially cause functional impairment and also deformities that lead to the withdrawal of the victim from society. The complex shape and form of the human face renders reconstruction difficult and the exposed position of the face allows only limited camouflage with clothing and make-up. In general, local flaps bring in tissue with similar color and texture for reconstruction and potentially achieve the most optimal result. However, in the burned patient, the usual local flaps that may be available in other traumas are not available due to concomitant damage in the burn injury.